Ormoc City

The City of Ormoc is a 1st class independent component city belonging to the 4th district of the province of Leyte in Region 8 or the Eastern Visayas Region in the Philippines. It is the economic, commercial, cultural and transportation center of western Leyte.

Being the largest city in the province, Ormoc occupies a total land area of 613.60 square kilometers which in turn is further subdivided into 110 barangays. Its boundaries are the towns of Matag-ob and Merida in the northwest; Kananga in the north; the towns of Jaro, Pastrana and Dagami in the northeast; and the town of Albuera in the south.

In 2010, Ormoc City recorded a total population of 191,200 inhabitants called Ormocanons. They are predominantly Cebuano speakers, but can also communicate well in Tagalog and English. In addition, the Ormocanons are mainly Roman Catholic in religion and like other places in the country, the city also celebrates its annual fiesta in honor of its patron saints, St. Peter and St. Paul.

In terms of its economy, Ormoc has a good mix of agriculture, aquaculture, industrial, tourism and commercial-based economy. Sugarcane, rice and pineapple are its primary agricultural products. Because of its geothermal power resources, its economy took a major leap as it supplies a large part of the country’s power needs.

The strong spirits and faith of the Ormocanons was put to test when the city was largely destroyed by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) on November 8, 2013. This deadly storm left Php 11.3 billion and Php 13.1 billion worth of agricultural and infrastructure damages in the country, respectively. Surviving the aftermath of the typhoon was very challenging for the Ormocanons but with the help of various organizations and different countries, they recovered slowly for which they are very much grateful.

Ormoc City may not be fully urbanized, but its attractions are slowly catching the attention of tourists from various parts of the country and of the world, as well. One of its famous attractions is the guitar-shaped Lake Danao. It is a 148-hectare of extraordinarily beautiful inland lake with crystal clear water surrounded by evergreen mountain ranges and serene environment. Located at about 18 kilometers away from the city proper, this place is ideal for outdoor recreational activities like boating, swimming, camping, trekking, biking, picnic or simply sightseeing its wide variety of flora and fauna.

Ormoc is boasting its geothermal power resources. It is home to the largest wet steam producing geothermal field in the world, the Leyte Geothermal Production Field (LGPF) in Barangay Tongonan, east of the city. This geothermal complex produces a total of 708MW which accounts to about 37% of the world’s total geothermal power generated. This power is distributed in Leyte Island, parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao thru underwater cables.

Ormoc also takes pride with its Queen Pineapple because of its unequaled sweetness. Visitors of the city make it a point to bring along bundles of this famous fruit as pasalubong (gift for friends at home), making the city fairly synonymous with the fruit. These pineapples are processed and cultivated in the vast plantations located at Barangay Hibunawaon about 19 kilometers north of the city center and is accessible only by private vehicles.

Considered as one of the city’s landmark, Fuente De La Reina is the oldest bridge in Ormoc built in the early 1800 but was completed in 1861. This cobblestone bridge, located beside the Ormoc City Hall, served as a docking area of traders from various parts of Asia during the Spanish era. And until now, the bridge is still in use.

The Ormoc Bay, on the other hand, is nothing but an ordinary bay. But when sunset comes, this place also comes to life as people from all walks of life stroll around and breathe in the fresh air while eating popcorn or the famous "isaw" (chicken intestine) and barbecue of Ormoc.

Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and rolling terrains overlooking the Ormoc Bay is a premier golfing resort, the 18-hole Leyte Golf and Country Club. It is located 7 kilometers from the city center and covers more than 80 hectares of land area.

Ormoc City also attracts tourists through its Buyogan Festival held every 18th of August. This is a colorful and splendid celebration highlighted by a street dancing competition where participants wear honeybee’s attire and they dance imitating the movement of the creature.